I am actor Titus Welliver of Amazon’s Bosch, Lost, Deadwood and SOA!

What was going through your head as an actor when you were The Man in Black? :~)

Hawaii is so beautiful, what time is lunch?

Hi Titus.

Are you able to respond to the reports of a Deadwood movie? Is it going to happen? When? Is everybody returning?

Nothing has been confirmed and I have not been contacted. Certainly would be fun to do but beyond somewhat abstract press, I know nothing beyond that.

Oh man, my hopes have been dashed. Thanks for answering.

Mine too. This series was done a great disservice by being cut so short. Now I'm going to open some canned peaches and stare at some fuckin hogs.

That being said, it's all up in the air.

Was the Terry O'Quinn suit that you had to wear on the last season of Lost well ventilated?

yes, thankfully.

To you, what was The Man in Black? :~)

A profoundly tragic and misunderstood character. I wish I had more of his story to tell. I really loved playing that character.

Hey Titus,

About 6 months ago I ran into you at LAX. My dogs jumped on you and you said your girlfriend had 3-4 and you didn't mind. I was on a bar of Xanax at the time and my wife was in the bathroom, to this day she doesn't believe me. So much so, Im not sure if it happened now.

Can you recall this happening?

PS. sorry for such a shitty question, just want to make sure I'm not losing my mind.

That was me! I love dogs.

Hi Titus, I think Deadwood is pretty much the best thing ever happened to television. Can you tell me what to watch to fill the void deadwood left?

There is truly only one Deadwood. Certainly Bosch but I get a similar subsistence from Game of Thrones as one got from Deadwood

Hi Titus,

My wife and I have really loved you in everything we've seen you in, which for us started with Deadwood. We were stoked for you to have a series lead in Bosch -- love the show!

My question is, had you read/were you a fan of any of Michael Connelly's books prior to becoming involved in Bosch? If so, do you have a favorite?

Also, I am 90% sure my family spent a week at a beach you were also visiting in 2011 or so (obviously I won't mention where). Never introduced ourselves, so as not to interfere with your vacation, but it was a thrill. If it was in fact you, you looked like you had a ball with your dog and your paddleboard. :-)

Best wishes and thanks for all the great performances.

Thank you very much. I had only read one Bosch novel many years prior to reading the Bosch script and thoroughly enjoyed it. I since then continue to digest those books not only for work but more importantly for pleasure.

I know the beach of which you speak and yes that was me and my dog.

Has there been any talks with Marvel regarding the Felix Blake character lately?

Yes, stay tuned.

What do you see as Harry Bosch's tragic flaw? How do you approach that as an actor?

Harry cares, if you could call that a flaw. Much of Harry is internal rather than expressed through dialogue, I do my best to project some of his inner turmoil without words.

What was it like working with Michael Emerson on Lost?

I never had any scenes with Michael but know him a bit and love his work.

Hi Titus, have there been talks yet of a season 3?

I appreciate you've just done season 2 but this is so good and it is worth more

Thank you! We await the word of renewal from Amazon for Season 3. Fingers crossed.

Hi Titus,

I know you collect comic books so I was curious, if you could pick any comic book role, what role would you choose?

Nick Fury from another universe

For the record, I don't think you look like your mother fucked a monkey.

You do however seem like a very tempered actor/person who says a lot with very few words, but what could cause you to absolutely lose your shit either personally or professionally?

A Donald Trump presidency.

Hi Titus!

Loving you as Bosch and hope you can do at least 3-5 more seasons. Are you as much of a jazz fan as your character on the show? If not, what sort of music do you dig and is your record setup as badass? Thanks for doing this AmA!

I do love jazz as much as Harry but do not have his level of knowledge. I love many different types of music and there is music playing in my home constantly.

Hi there Mr. Welliver!

Thanks for taking the time for this!

My question is has anyone ever told you that you look like a skinny Tom Sizemore?

No

What were your thoughts going into filming Bosch knowing that it would only be available online? Do you see this as the way of the future?

Yes, it would seem that is the direction entertainment is moving towards. I have been slow to warm to it, as Harry and I share the same fear of the new, but am now a true convert.

How dd you find playing a twin in Lost?

Mark Pellegrino and I are long time close friends, like brothers so the closeness of that relationship was real and did not require the fabrication of a relationship.

What is it like working with Ben Affleck as a director?

Art at its highest level. He is one of the finest directors I have worked with in every aspect and hope to continue to make many more films with him.

Why did you turn down the role as Dr. Strange?

I assumed you turned it down, since any rational person would have come to you first to cast the role.

I was never offered that part or I would surely have accepted it, but a good rumor!

Do you have any sort of "dream role"?

Also, I just want to say you were genuinely incredible in Gone Baby Gone, and I'll pretty much watch anything if I see you're in it.

Something with Tom Hardy

Hi Titus,

You're one of those actors who, once I found out who you were, I began to see EVERYWHERE -- which is understandably a good thing! Anytime I'm watching a show and the guest star titles are at the beginning, I always get excited when I see your name (this happened most recently with, I think, reruns of Star Trek: Voyager). Thanks for all you bring to each role.

Anyway, here are my questions:

1.) It's amazing to think that the entire cornerstone of Lost mythology was actually the man in black / smoke monster / aka "you." In finding this character, did you create any personal theories for the character that maybe wasn't shown on the show? Or any potential insight into the character that we, as viewers, aren't aware of?

2.) You have such a versatile and rich tapestry of characters in your acting career. In a perfect world, are there are specific roles/ IPs/ characters you'd love to play?

Thanks again for all you do. Knowing you're the leading man in Bosch has made me make sure to watch!

1. I cannot lie, no.
2. Well written ones

Thank you very much!

I know this question has probably came up a lot and there is probably no answer but because Ben Affleck is rumored to be directing The Batman movie, would you be collaborating again on it?

:~)

In my dreams, certainly.

Hi Mr. Welliver, Huge fan. Can I ask, what was it like working with Michael Bay? Thank you! :~)

I had a fantastic time working with Michael. He is a force of nature, his commitment to detail is awe-inspiring. I hope to work with him again, many, many more times.

Did you have to shoot Suits in Canada or New York?

Canada

Hello Titus.

First want to say huge fan of your work. Now for the question, what was it like with the cast and working on Deadwood? I always read it was one of the best and closest groups in TV history. Got any good stories on set?

Thank you.

Thank you! It was a very tight knit cast, everyone got along beautifully.

Wu's pigs really eat people.

How do you adapt to each new director when they change within a series?

Many of our directors from Season 1 have returned so we have a great collaborative relationship and a kind of shorthand in communicating.

Hi Titus.I have only seen you in LOST but plan on seeing Bosch which looks really cool.What was the actual name of The Man In Black?

There isn't one.

Hi Titus, I'd like to start by saying that you have done some great work, particularly as the man in black in Lost.

How hard was it to put on an Irish accent for your role as Jimmy O'Phelan in Sons of Anarchy? I certainly saw some moments where it looked like you struggled - when going for a role, do they look for people who can already do an accent, or do they cast you, then hope that a voice coach can get you to where you need to be by the time shooting begins?

P.s. haven't seen Bosch yet, but will be starting it off at the weekend, heard great things!

Accents are difficult, I was cast one day and on a plane the next morning. Not much prep time for Jimmy O.

Hi Titus, love your work on Bosch, it's one of my favorite shows on TV!

What do like the most about playing the character Harry Bosch in comparison to the other roles you've had in the past?

Thank you, glad you enjoy it. Harry is a very nuanced character, flawed, vulnerable, and tough. There is a fragile inner life with Bosch that is very interesting to play.

Hi Titus, who was your role model growing up?

Bruce Lee and Steve McQueen.

Titus, I know you do impressions of people. Can you do any of your co-stars? Like Ian McShane's Al Swearengen, including the cursing?

Yes, I do Ian and I do pretty good Jamie Hector and Lance Reddick impressions.

What is your next project?

I just finished Live by Night with Ben Affleck. I am writing a script for myself and reading other scripts.

What advise would you give someone who wants to make it in the entertainment industry?

Keep your head down. Focus on what is necessary, discard that which is not. Show up on time and know your lines.

I will use this advise for now on. Thanks!

You're welcome. I hope it's helpful.

What is the best thing a director can do for you on set? :~)

Let me find my way and come up with some inspiring direction.

Hi! I'm really loving Bosch so far and its great to finally put a face on Harry Bosch, how did you come to get the role as Harry Bosch?

I met with Michael Connelly and the producers and was blessed to be chosen by them.

I think I saw you in the cast list for an upcoming Agents of SHIELD episode. Is there hope that we'll finally see what happened to your character, who apparently sat out all the big changes to Shield?

Stay tuned!

Hi Titus, I love to hate you when you play the bad guy, really like your character in SVU. What kinda hobbies do you have while on set?

Learning my lines for the next day's work

How many times did you get killed by A list B movie actors (Jean Claude Van Dam, Bruce Willis, Walker Texas Ranger played by Chuck "Balls of Steel" Norris, for example) in the 80's and 90's? Oh and good job in Deadwood.

I have been killed by some of the best

How do you create the chemistry on screen where your character and Jamie Hector's character seem to have a real bond of partnership ?

Jamie and I have become close, we enjoy each other's company. Lucky us.

Are the tattoos real. So many. So sudden. If they're real; what made you go "wild" all of a sudden?

You had a birthday very recently. How's it feel, you old goat? Wait. Is that why you got all the tats?

Yes all my tattoos. Are you suggesting a midlife crisis? Cheaper than a sports car.

Hi Mr. Welliver, Thank you for doing this AMA. I am a big fan of your work, and have been a longtime fan of Michael Connelly's Bosch series of books. Anytime I see movies or tv based on books I enjoy I am always worried that they wont live up to the source material, but you are outstanding as Bosch, and I can't wait for more. Now for the questions.

1. How did you prepare to be Harry Bosch?

2. Were you worried about how your portrayal of Bosch would be received by longtime fans of the books?

Thank you!

1. Given the short amount of time to prepare because of my shooting schedule on Transformers, I was really only able to read the source material to get to know the character. Fortunately, Michael Connelly was on set throughout the entire pilot process so I was in constant communication with him regarding my interpretation of Harry.
2. You will never please everyone so I just had to jump in and stay true to the core integrity of the character from the books.

Greetings, Titus!

I would like to thank you for your outstanding work in LOST. In fact, if you answer my question, you will have made my year. (For real.)

So my question is--how much fun did you have with Mark Pellegrino filming those Totally Lost youtube shorts? Dr. Smoke cracked me up, and it just looked like you guys had so much fun shooting those.

Also, I love your Red Sox sweatshirt. ;)

Thanks so much!!

It was a blast, mostly improvised. We nearly pissed ourselves doing it-glad you enjoyed it. Go Sox!

Did you ever watch "The Wire"? Asking because I see some of the same actors in Bosch. I just finished the second season, great show.

yes, every episode, every season. Many friends in that cast.

Titus, what was your name supposed to be on LOST!? Most of us of course know you as Man In Black, but what was his actual name?

He didn't have a name

Hello Titus, do you have a dream role you'd like to play?

I feel like I'm doing it right now with Bosch.

Hi Titus, it's Clare here!
Can you tell us about the funniest 'gag reel' moment you had whilst filming series 2? Also, what TV shows are you currently enjoying and do you binge quickly or savour them?? Thanks! :-)

There are so many moments that are deeply hilarious on the Bosch set, nothing comes to mind specifically but we laugh a lot.

Netflix Daredevil, Gotham, Man in the High Castle, Hand of God, Transparent (not just because they are Amazon shows, but because they are damn good).

Really depends on the show.

Hi Titus,

I just started watching Bosch today - and I think I'm already hooked.

I was surprised to see Jamie Hector playing the part of a cop - having only ever seen him as Marlo Stanfield before (I'm assuming you've seen 'The Wire'?) - does this kind of thing happen to you - when you meet or work with someone that you've only ever seen playing a part, do you find it hard/confusing separating them from their character?

No because I'm an actor too

Three questions:

1. The name Titus is unusual. Any story behind it? Ever get made fun of?

2. Says you grew up in New Haven, which is known to be a very rough area. Were you the only white kid who didn't grow up poor? Ever get into trouble because of how seedy that area is?

3. Opinion on your appreciation of and willingness to do 'nerdy' shows, like Game of Thrones, and other nerdy fan favorites at Comic-Con and such.

Cheers

1. I'm named after the painter Rembrandt's son, Titus. Yes tortured as a child as you can well imagine.
2. My father was a professor at Yale. I only lived in New Haven until I was 4, so my memories of that time are somewhat vague.
3. Being a huge nerd (as if that is a bad thing!), I love Comic-Con and would certainly participate in one. I am an avid toy and comic book collector, so I would have to bring my checkbook as well.

I'm named after the painter Rembrandt's son, Titus.

Wow! Did you ever think you'd end up playing a detective named after a different Dutch painter?

No, it would seem serendipity at play as I am married to a Dutch woman. One of Bosch's producers is Dutch and also the son of a well known Dutch painter. My stunt double is also Dutch. And as a teenager I was constantly in dutch. Dutch, Dutch, Dutch

Are you currently reading any comics? If so, what?

Thanks again.

Avengers, Time Runs Out

Titus: Did you ever get into assembling old monster models as a kid?

hell yes! In fact I have built Polar Lights Aurora kits with my kids

Titus is biblical.

That he is.

What does your day consist of?

Wake up, get my daughter ready for school, have breakfast with my wife and daughter, go to work.

What is it like being the lead in a series such as Bosch? Brilliant work by the way! :~)

Thank you very much. A bit more responsibility, perhaps a bit more investment and longer hours.

What was it like being on Star Trek: Voyager?

A lot of fun, great cast

Hello!

I am a big fan of the Bosch tv show and of the books. Have you read any of the books?

Do you think there will be a 3rd season?

I think the show is just fantastic. Great acting, great cinematography and writing.

I've read many of the books and continue to do so.

God willing and Amazon!

So do you like dealing with your fans on social media?

Very much so! I really appreciate the kindness and support.

You roles (as far as I know them, maybe I miss the odd one) even when not clearly villainous often have a darker streak, pragmatic, harder, meaner types. Is this by design or just something your know for (arguably for very good reason)? Ever desire the sunshine guy role or a the loveable fool?

I'm not partial to either though I'd love to sing and dance

Thanks for doing the AMA, Titus!

Being that you only worked on LOST toward the end of the series, what are you final thoughts on the show? Did you love it as much as the die hard fans? Were there questions you still have that are unanswered? Do you have a particular character you empathize the most with? Do you feel bad for what you did to mother?

Follow up: I'm a high school band teacher. I'm curious...did you ever play an instrument?

I like questions left unanswered in that universe. I genuinely enjoyed the mythology of Lost in its totality.

No she killed my birth mother with a rock.

Yep, drums, clarinet and still play blues harmonica.

Do you ever wish you had a second go at playing a character you didn't feel you quite nailed the first time? If so, which one and why?

No, I try to make good choices and stick by them.

Funniest on-set story in your career? Most star-struck moment?

Most starstruck moment? Meeting Toshiro Mifune

Funniest story? The actor opposite of me farted very loudly and no one acknowledged it and I burst out laughing uncontrollably.

Do you think Leo deserved his oscar for The Revenant? How was this role better than the others he was nominated for and missed out on?

I thought his work was and always is excellent. Hard to say why this above his previous work.

Hi Mr. Welliver,

Your portrayal of Harry Bosch inspired me to check out the book series and now I've become a huge fan of it and the show is fantastic you and the whole production are doing a fantastic job.

My question to you is how familiar are you with firearms? Is there much training you have had to do for the shooting scenes? Most interesting to me is that you seem to be left handed yet you shoot with your right hand and left eye. I've known a few people who have had to train that way because they have a crossed dominant eye/hand.

I've been shooting weapons since I was a little boy. I have had a great deal of firearms training over the years. I am left handed but am as you say cross dominant, so many things I do right handed.

Hi Titus,

Stellar work on Bosch this season.

With the numerous roles you've done, what is it that you get recognized for the most in public?

Thank you. Hard to say, everyone seems to have their personal favorite. Certainly due to the scope of advertising Bosch, at this point it's definitely Bosch.

Hello there Titus.

Can you include anything on the reports of a Sons of Anarchy prequel movie? Is it going to happen and when? Who is playing JT?

Don't have a clue.

How did you like your experience working on Supernatural? Was playing the part of "War!" hard to get your head around?

It was fun, the boys are sweet and producer, Bob Singer, is an old friend

I'm a big fan of you and of the Bosch novels.

Given the extensive body of source material, were you intimidated by playing such a well-defined, already beloved character?

No, I just had to jump in and run

Did you cheer like the rest of us when Jimmy O got murked by Chibs?

He had it coming

hi i really want to ask a question just so i can say i spoke with someone who was in deadwood, because i'm a huge deadwood fan, but i don't know what to ask

actually here's a question: did the atmosphere of the set of deadwood feel any different from other sets, considering the show was so phenomenal? what i mean is, since the show turned out to be so exceptional, did you feel at the time that you were working on something completely different? did it give you a strong sense of pride at the time of working on the set (rather than being proud in the final product)

Yes, yes and yes.

Hey Titus. I just wanted to say that you might be my favorite actor. I love the movie "Once in the Life" as well as "Riff Raff" and practically jumped out of my chair when I saw you on LOST. Thanks for all the great work you have put in. Any advice for a young actor trying to break into the scene?

Edit: just saw that question was already answered. I guess Ill ask about"Once in the Life" and what it was like having to really hit the degredation and depravity of that character. Did you do any particular research for that role?

Well having lived in the East Village in its heroine heyday, I certainly saw more than my share of that behavior. That character is a heart breaker, very difficult place to go.

Hi Titus. Your impersonations are some of the best I've ever seen. Is that something you work on a lot or is it more of a natural skill?

I've been a mimic since I was a little kid. I have never really actively practiced, just seems to pop out of my mouth.

At the time of filming the season 5 finale of lost, where you a fan of the show?

And did you understand how important the character was going to be?

Where there any scenes that Terry O'Quinn got while playing the "man in black" that you would have liked to do?

Yes I was a fan of the show.

No, had no idea where the character was going.

Not that I recall

Troubles?

Not sure what the question is?